Senior Staff Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Staff Accountant leads and oversees the management of the organization’s General Ledger accounts and business transactions, applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) with a high level of analytical judgment and review. This position serves as a supervisory role responsible for reviewing and guiding the work of the Staff Accountant and partners closely with the Vice President of Finance on monthly, year-end, and audit-related activities. The Senior Staff Accountant reports to the Vice President of Finance.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Oversee and coordinate the day-to-day, monthly, and year-end operations of the Finance department accounting functions
• Review, approve, and provide guidance on work prepared by the Staff Accountant to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with GAAP
• Maintain and review the Fixed Asset and associated depreciation schedules; prepare and approve General Journal entries related to asset activity
• Lead the preparation and filing of 1099 reports, reviewing supporting documentation prepared by accounting staff
• Serve as the primary accounting liaison by attending departmental meetings and advising leadership on funding, expense trends, and budget-to-actual variances
• Oversee petty cash and expense reporting processes, ensuring adherence to internal controls and policies

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE & GENERAL LEDGER OVERSIGHT
• Supervise and review invoice coding, expense reports, and check requests prepared by the Staff Accountant
• Ensure proper account classification by reviewing expense allocations across accounts and departments
• Oversee vendor payment processes, including verification of documentation, resolution of discrepancies, and compliance with payment terms
• Review vendor reconciliations and monthly statements for accuracy and completeness
• Monitor and approve petty cash disbursements and documentation
• Review sales tax calculations and filings related to paid invoices
• Ensure completeness of supporting documentation for purchase orders and invoices
• Investigate and resolve complex accounting issues related to invoices, purchase orders, and account discrepancies
• Lead the monthly close process, including reviewing reconciliations and journal entries
• Perform and review balance sheet and general ledger reconciliations, identifying and correcting errors or omissions
• Serve as an escalation point for internal and external inquiries regarding account status and discrepancies

ADMINISTRATIVE & LEADERSHIP FUNCTIONS
• Provide day-to-day supervision, training, and mentoring to the Staff Accountant
• Review and streamline accounting procedures to improve efficiency and strengthen internal controls
• Prepare and review correspondence, reports, and documentation for the Finance department
• Oversee the maintenance of accounting files, records, and reports
• Coordinate the tracking and administration of company insurance policies in collaboration with the Vice President of Finance
• Play a lead role in the annual Financial Audit, including preparation, review, and coordination of audit materials
• Conduct higher-level financial analysis and reporting and support special projects as assigned

COMPLIANCE
• Ensure and monitor department-wide compliance with GAAP
• Enforce adherence to regulatory guidance and internal policies and procedures
• Protect the organization’s value by maintaining strict confidentiality of financial information
• Provide guidance and technical support to accounting staff on compliance and best practices
• Update job knowledge through continuing professional education
• Contribute to department-wide and organizational special projects as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Education/Experience Required:
• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, or a bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in accounting, is required
• A minimum of five years’ progressive accounting experience, including experience in non-profit and/or fund accounting
• Prior experience reviewing or supervising accounting staff preferred
• Advanced experience with accounting software and financial reporting systems
Skills & Abilities Required:
• Demonstrated integrity and discretion in handling confidential information
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills